by Barney Broom
The man and boy walked across the gallery to the tower. Archie pressed the lift button and they began to ascend.
“Great view, isn’t it? Only reason I bought the place.”
Podric gazed out at the countryside below. The lift arrived at the top floor. Podric’s virtual reality glasses, portable PlayStation and controls were on the table.
“I’ve got a problem.”
Archie turned to face Podric.
“You know Secorni rejected Andromeda Volcanism which you, er… advised on…”
This admission was obviously still uncomfortable for the games man to reconcile.
“But I’ve had a wake-up call.”
Archie walked across to the far window.
“When you were talking about what you’d played, your successes and, later, your apathy about how uninspired you felt games were, I didn’t really take on board your skills and just what a talent you are.”
Taking a couple of beers from the small built-in fridge, Archie opened one and shunted the other across the table to Podric.
“I’ve been successful in my time but I need a new game to re-establish myself; a game that companies want, a game they get desperate for. And you, with this alternative reality idea you’ve got, I just couldn’t believe what you’ve created.”
Archie picked up Podric’s virtual reality kit.
“Incredible.”
He handed the gear back to Podric who put it in his bag.
“I was wondering if you’d help me write a game – one that you reckon would hit the spot. Obviously I’d ensure that rights-wise you were credited and paid accordingly, and as part of the deal, I’m sure it could help you to have unlimited access to the lab here – use any of the equipment. You can come and go as you please and work on your idea…”
“After I’ve made you a game…”
“‘We’, Podric. I do have some ability and I also have some money, which might be needed for your reality concept as much as anything else.”
They were both silent for several seconds before Archie said, “Will you help me?”
“I’d want at least shared copyright and minimum equal royalties.”
Archie laughed.
“Not backward in your business skills either, Podric. Got any thoughts for a game?”
“About six.”
“Yuh? And how long would it take you to write one of these?”
“A week – maybe less. A couple are half written.”
The internal phone rang. Archie picked up the receiver.
There was a pause.
“He can come down whenever you want.”
Not bothering to cover the receiver, Archie turned to Podric.
“Food. Summoned by her who must be obeyed.”
Podric picked up his bag.
“He’ll be down shortly.”
Archie replaced the receiver.
“I looked at your modified visor. Plan on developing the frame further?”
“Outside-in Reality was just a beginning, but having to wear something won’t work.”
“Agree. Interesting spin-off though. It’s like you’re half-way there.”
Archie sipped his beer.
“Anyway, I’ve been thinking about this, and I reckon you need to see it through the eye and then be absorbed into the world of the game, which I think is your intention.”
Podric nodded.
“When I had the brain scan after my bike accident – talking to the doc, he told me about mind pathways, and creating a kind of receptive gateway.”
“For real? That’s pretty whacky stuff.”
“Yeah, but the idea of being able to reverse one’s imagination so that you control it and not the other way round could help getting absorbed into a games world.”
“Hmm. Okay, it’s practicalities then.”
Archie tossed his empty beer can in the bin.
“As you’re going down, just come with me for a minute.”
He led the way to the stairs. Descending a floor to the computer laboratory, Archie opened a cabinet. Full of components, he removed a tray. Taking out a small packet, he turned on a microscope light and placed a tiny object underneath it.
“Take a look.”
Podric did so and viewed the minuscule object.
“A microchip so small that it can be taken orally as a pill.”
Podric stood back. Archie turned off the light.
“Pre-encoded, it enters the body and sets a magnetic pulse to the brain’s synapse, activated when a player programmes their PlayStation or Xbox using a corresponding code.”
“That’s sort of the technical side of what the doctor was saying.”
“So you needed two doctors!”
Clearly impressed by Archie’s idea, Podric was thoughtful.
“And to get out?”
“Exactly. To make this happen could require a bit of money –certainly likely to take a lot of time.”
“Which if I work on it, will reduce costs.”
“Or I could take it to Secorni.”
“No!”
Surprised by Podric’s intensity, Archie was conciliatory.
“Pasaro, if you’d rather.”
“Again negative. That’s not what this is all about.”
It was Podric’s turn to take one.
“This has nothing to do with money. I’m not interested in anyone else having it. I want alternative reality because I want the experience. It’ll be unique; it’ll be mind-blowing.”
“No doubt. But if we got – what is it? – Outside-in Reality going commercially and this other form up and running later, it could make a packet of money.”
“I’ll make us a packet of money from the game I write.”
Archie chuckled.
“As you seem disinterested in any input from me, when can I expect this masterpiece?”
“I’ll have a first code ready by the end of the week. I’ll leave it raw, while you’re doing the paperwork.”
The games creator looked quizzical.
“Legal stuff.”
Archie really laughed at this.
“Trusting so and so, aren’t you?”
“No.”
“Okay then, I’ll have my people talk to your people.”
“There’s a lawyer Mr. Schepesi put me on to for my consultancy contracts. He’s pretty hot.”
Podric walked to the door. Archie suddenly looked more concerned.
“Hang on Podric.”
The boy turned back to him.
“You want a game. You want a game to make millions. That’s what you’re about, Archie – money. I understand that. It’s just I want something else. I want adventure – the ultimate adventure!”
***
Three days later, Alannah Brodie collected Barbara Moon from hospital. Still battered and bruised, Barbara returned home to a sizeable floral tribute from Tweeney’s. Its message, ‘Our thoughts are with you at this time’, scrawled on the waste disposal company’s comp slip, boldly featured the printed slogan ‘Tweeney’s – waste not, want not!’
While visits from the local district nurse monitored Barbara’s recovery, Alannah continued to help out as much as she could, and both Amy and Podric were actively involved in taking care of their mother. It was, therefore, remarkable that, true to his word, Podric delivered much more than the structure of Agrolution within the time span he’d promised Archie.
The concept featured a player challenging urban violence in an attempt to reach a world of utopian thrills. Not only would this satisfy the more militantly demanding participant, but also suit a games company salving its social conscience by answering the market’s bellicose demands for a ‘better life’ conclusion. The moral high ground was something both the main computer games compa
nies loved. More importantly from a player’s perspective, Agrolution combined state-of-the-art CGI work with extreme demands on a player’s high-speed skills. Podric had even incorporated Archie’s override engine into the code.
The game more developed than he’d expected to receive, Archie couldn’t deny Agrolution was both innovative and challenging. Given his experience, he could smell its potential as being a winner.
Keen to see his young partner and discuss things, Archie dropped by Briony Close at the end of the day. This happened to be at a time Barbara was having a bad turn. The mental fallout from the attack was, in many ways, worse than its physical effects. Barbara would appear normal for a day or so, then suddenly go into spasm – sweating and distressed. At the Moons’ when Archie made his unannounced visit, Alannah quickly took him aside.
“Her body’s healing okay but her mental state’s becoming more of an issue. I’m worried about her – what it’s done to her mind.”
“Can she travel? I mean to see someone.”
“What do you mean?”
“A psychiatrist.”
“Privately?”
“Yuh – get an appraisal.”
Alannah thought for a moment.
“When are you suggesting?”
“Don’t know. I just ask the question.”
“I’m not sure financially…?”
“Did anyone mention finance?”
Alannah hesitated.
“I don’t think it would work with you just taking her.”
“You mean it’s better with you?”
“Yes.”
“But she’d be okay if I was driving and you were with her.”
“I think so.”
“Good. Then we have a plan. I may have to go to town in a few days’ time. If you think she’s up to it, we could take her to Harley Street. Where’s Podric?”
“In his garden workshop.”
“Through there?”
Archie indicated the conservatory which led to the garden.
Going outside, he approached the shed and tapped on its door. Podric opened it.
“Thought you were coming to the lab.”
“Can’t right now.”
“No… I understand.”
Archie looked around. The place Podric had made into his computer workshop looked pretty Heath Robinson.
“So, this is where it all happens?”
Podric didn’t reply.
“Great work by the way – I particularly like the reaction speed element.”
“Had to incorporate something of yours.”
Archie laughed. Podric continued, “Going to take it to Secorni?”
“Thought I might.”
“Would you like me to call Mr. Zaentz?”
“Er, no Podric. I think I’d like to go see them myself if it’s all the same to you?”
Podric shrugged.
“Your shout.”
As he left, Archie passed Brodie taking a cup of tea to Barbara.
“I’ll give you the details of someone I know.”
“Did you tell Podric?”
“No.”
***
Friday morning saw Archie dressed in expensive smart casual – cashmere jacket, Italian trousers and loafers. Arriving promptly at Briony Close to collect Barbara and his housekeeper for their trip to London in one of his Facel Vegas, he’d had little or no communication with his new business partner since Podric produced the structure for Agrolution. The games wunderkind hadn’t put in an appearance at Light’s laboratory thus far, but Archie reckoned he’d be seeing more of him when the anticipated deal was completed. In spite of concern for Barbara Moon, Archie’s spirits were high as they set off for town.
“These really are lovely cars.”
Barbara looked out at the countryside. The Facel Vega Excellence purred along.
“Do you like cars, Barbara?”
Alannah was also enjoying the ride.
“Sean did. They were his passion – except for flying.”
A few days ago, the housekeeper might have added ‘and you’, but not now.
“And Podric’s cleverness, of course.”
“Did your husband like computer games…?”
For Archie, this was a hesitant comment.
“Crazy about them, but then he was crazy about anything Podric did.”
“Close, were they?” Alannah adjusted herself in her seat.
“Not in an obvious way. Sean was much more outgoing than Podric, who as you have seen, can be quite retiring.”
“It’s attractive.”
Alannah meant it. Archie checked his rear-view mirror but his housekeeper was looking out of the window.
“How did your son get into games?”
Again, Archie was casual.
“Because Sean was so keen right from the early ones – they were just around the place. I’ve always thought it was like being in proximity to a musical instrument. The games were lying there and Podric just picked them up. It seemed to come naturally to him – not just playing them well, but brilliantly – with almost no apparent effort. That’s why all these games companies consult him and want his advice.”
“The computer companies rate him then?”
The question coming from Alannah, Archie checked his rear-view mirror again, and discovered his housekeeper looking directly into it – and him.
“Oh yes. They’ve been on about his going to America, making a career over there, for some time, but his real interest was flying with his dad. That’s all he ever wanted to do. Now, of course… we’ll see…”
By the time they reached London, Archie’s mood had changed. For some reason, he was feeling dissatisfied with himself. Dropping Barbara and Alannah outside Dr. Liebermann’s consulting rooms, Archie was disarmed when getting out of the car; Barbara looked him in the face.
“Dr. Light, I’m aware I owe this to your kindness. Thank you.”
Putting out a hand, she shook his. Unused to such manners, for a second Archie was taken aback. Alannah got out and it being necessary to move, Archie managed to mutter an appropriate reply. As he pulled away, Alannah called after him.
“Doctor – four o’clock, as arranged.”
Heading over Grosvenor Place into St. James’s, Archie parked outside his club. At its reception, he notified the desk of the two women’s arrival that afternoon. Then, attaché case in hand, he walked round the corner into Mayfair and Secorni’s European headquarters. Strolling into the building, Archie was crossing the lobby towards the lifts when the receptionist called out to him.
“Sir?”
Archie stopped.
“Can I help you?”
“Doubt it. I was going up to see Saul.”
“I see. What time’s your appointment with Mr. Prendergast?”
Archie looked down at the young receptionist and smiled.
“You ever play Captain Krimon?”
The girl looked at him blankly. Archie continued.
“Marvin the Destroyer?”
This didn’t seem to register either.
“Guns of Orion, Knights of the Avenger, Undersea Invaders? No?”
Archie was quite light-hearted.
“Do you play any games?”
“Not really my thing.”
Archie chuckled.
“What if I told you those games paid for the lease on this building and the salaries of everyone in this company?”
“I’d call you a damned liar.”
Saul Prendergast and a young aide emerged from an elevator and now stood behind the man who masterminded those products. Archie turned to Secorni’s European president.
“Then, Master Saul, you would be a bigger fool than I took you for. Indeed, I happen to know the revenue from ju
st one of them kept this company afloat when it bombed in just about every other operation for an entire year. Want to argue that?”
“I’m not arguing anything with you, Archie. Your contract is terminated, remember?”
“I’ve got a new game, Saul, and it’s going to be big.”
“Then go sell it to someone.”
“I’m not talking about the one you’ve just passed on – this is an entirely new game – different, ultra-high-speed challenges; it’ll blow you away.”
“Like Andromeda didn’t? We were waiting a year for your Volcanic masterpiece.”
Archie stood in front of Prendergast. It wasn’t threatening but feelings were intense.
“Listen, Saul – I urge you – look at what I’ve got.”
“Well, I urge you to get out of here.”
Prendergast smiled a hard North American smile.
“Now!”
His eyes darting about, Archie was aware of security people beginning to move. Such was his recent change of character, he managed to keep his cool.
“You’ve just made the biggest mistake of your business career.”
Archie turned away, then looked back.
“When they make you Assistant Vice President of Maintenance in Palookaville, remember this day, Saul – the day you screwed the deal of your life.”
Addressing the whole reception, Archie made a mock dramatic bow.
“Ciao all – and young lady – look up those games. They’re actually fun!”
With that, Dr. Archibald Light left Secorni – and this time it really would be forever.
“Damned pseud, I’ll give him deal of my life!”
Heading for the door with Prendergast, his young assistant looked more thoughtful than impressed by the way his boss had handled the situation.
Outside on the street, Archie’s bravado crumbled. Turning into Davies Street, he bumped into his solicitor, Monty Limmerson. Monty was accompanied by a stunning-looking woman.
“Archie. In town. You haven’t just been where I think you have.”
“Stupid goddamn idiots.”
“The papers to sever your contract arrived on my desk this morning.”
“We’ll sue.”
“We’ll go to lunch. This is Kaliska, my new head of Corporate. Come along. You like fish, don’t you?”
In Blair’s, an exclusive Mayfair fish restaurant, the ambiance was smart chic. There was a quiet hum of diners enjoying their food. Monty explained his additional guest to the maître’d and a larger table was quickly found. Menus were produced and studied.